Seattle Public Utilities, WM Now Accepting Applications for ReThink Waste Grants

From tool libraries to community gardens and composting workshops, there are so many ways to reduce waste in our community. Seattle Public Utilities and WM are teaming up for the eighth year in a row to invest $10,000 in Seattle businesses and nonprofits. The ReThink Waste Grants program was developed to help community organizations prevent and reduce waste and increase recycling and composting.

The grants are open to community organizations, small businesses and nonprofits in WM’s service area in Seattle. Funding is $500 to $5,000 per project.

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Organizations may now apply for the 2026 ReThink Waste Grants using this link. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, June 16. For help completing the application or coming up with an idea, register here for a virtual workshop from 12 – 1 pm Pacific Time on May 18 and/or June 1.

“We're pleased to join forces with WM to support community-led initiatives for the eighth year in a row,” said Sally Hulsman, SPU Solid Waste Contracts Manager. “Whether you're a nonprofit, community group or small business, this opportunity can make a difference in driving recycling, composting, and waste prevention. We encourage you to apply.”

Last year’s grant recipients and projects included:

• Redesign Collective: ReFabrica – Workforce training of Casa Latina immigrants and helping small businesses upcycle their textiles.

• Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area – Tackling litter by installing cigarette butt collection containers in the neighborhood.

• Chu Minh Tofu and Vegetarian Deli – Reducing food and packaging waste by distributing free okara to the community.

• West Seattle Tool Library – Expanding their Fix-it sessions, repairing tools and educating members about circular repair and reuse ethic.

• Greenwood Interurban Trail Little Free Library – Investing in secure dry storage to reduce food waste and help ensure delivery of free, nutritious food to the community.